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San Jose staff describe 'Walk and Roll' program to encourage students to walk, bike to school
Summary
City of San Jose staff presented the Walk and Roll program, describing school assemblies, bicycle rodeos and walk-to-school days aimed at increasing student walking and biking and reducing emissions; funding and implementation details were not specified.
A San Jose city staff member outlined the city’s Walk and Roll program, saying the initiative helps students and families “walk and bike to school safely, confidently, and with a little extra fun.” The presentation described school traffic-safety assemblies, bicycle rodeo courses, and organized walk-and-roll days as the program’s main components.
The program’s presenter said the effort responds to a long-term decline in student walking and biking: “Just a generation ago, nearly 50% of children living near their schools walked or biked. Today, fewer than 10% still do.” The staff member added that children learn safety skills—looking both ways, making eye contact with drivers, shoulder checks and hand signals—and that parents, caregivers and teachers can participate.
Why it matters: the presenter said walking and biking increase outdoor time and exercise for students and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The staff member stated that “a child who walks to and from school every day for a year can prevent nearly 200 pounds of carbon dioxide emissions from entering the air.” The program also offers helmet-fitting instruction as part of bicycle rodeos.
Program delivery and contact: the presenter said the city team “makes it easy to bring Walk and Roll programs to your school” and encouraged schools and families to participate. An email contact given in the presentation was walkenroll@sanjoseca.gov. The staff member described parents, caregivers and teachers as possible partners in school events.
What was not specified: the presentation did not state program funding sources, participating school list, start dates, or measurable participation targets. No formal actions, votes or policy changes were recorded in the transcript excerpt.
